Now those were strange, random thoughts.
"Your hand is so cold. Not that mine is any better," Hunter said softly. "I know, I'm stalling. I should just man up and take it, huh? You won't tell anyone about my weak side there, will you?" He chuckled.
She slid him a knowing grin and put a finger to her lips, then ran the finger across them as if to say 'My lips are sealed'.
"I knew I could count on you."
Becca opened the bottle and poured a little bit of the liquid on the cotton swab. She raised it and moved it closer to Hunter's face. She dreaded doing this even more than he dreaded having it done. She didn't want to cause him any discomfort and she knew this wasn't going to feel good at all. He flinched as the swab barely touched his skin and let out another hiss. He also squeezed her hand.
She used a small handful of the cotton balls before she considered it clean. Hunter swore and growled like a wild animal, but had held still fairly well. Becca opened the package for the bandage and gently smoothed it over the wound.
"That is some mind-numbing pain right there," Hunter grumbled. "Thanks Becca. Now do me a favor. Go and get yourself changed into warm clothes. I'd feel a lot better knowing that you're warm when I leave. When I get back, if you're hungry, we'll eat. I think the rain has let up some, although it still sounds pretty ferocious out there."
She nodded and stood, picking up the folded clothes he'd brought out earlier.
"Bathroom is down the hall and to the left. On a good note, we have working electricity in here. Want me to run out now or wait until you've changed?"
She shook her head no and signed 'Go now'. She hoped he'd understand.
"I'm so glad you were taught sign language when you were younger. It helps a lot. I haven't used it in years, but I remember it. I'll go. I won't take long, okay?"
She hated the idea of him having to go out there. She wished she could tell him to stay, but he had a point. Just because they had power didn't mean they had food, and both of them could stand to eat.
Her expression must have given her away. Hunter rushed forward and gathered her in his arms. "I know it's not ideal. I don't want to leave you, but I don't think bringing you back out in the storm with me is a good idea either. Just trust me. I'll be okay, and I'll be back so fast you won't even realize I was gone. Okay?" He gently tipped up her face and his dark, concerned eyes bore into hers. "Go on, get warm." He brushed a kiss on her forehead before releasing her.
She slid one more glance his way before shuffling off to the bathroom to change. As soon as she closed the door and flicked on the light, she studied her surroundings. The front door squeaked, signaling that Hunter had left. What a beautiful, old fashioned bathroom. She loved the deep red colors and the style of the décor. As quickly as she could, Becca stripped out of her wet clothes. She had no dry bra or panties, and she didn't feel like having anything on that was wet, so she'd just have to deal without. At least Hunter had found some cheap clothes. They were nothing that she would feel too guilty about wearing and possibly ruining.
After she put the clean clothes on, she draped her wet ones over the shower curtain bar, making sure to spread them out in order for them to dry. Just as she was about to leave the bathroom, the front door opened again. Hunter was back! She pulled open the door, eager to see him and not be so alone.
She stopped short when she stared into the surprised, angry eyes of a middle-aged man.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" he shouted.
Such bad timing for her to go mute. She opened her mouth and while she formed the words on her lips, no sound came out. No, no this wasn't good! He didn't look like he had a shotgun or any other type of weapon on him, so that was good. Was this his house? Acid churned in her gut again and she fought down a wave of bile.
"I asked you who you are. Why aren't you answering me? You know you're on private property, so you're trespassing."
Becca wasn't sure what to do. She had no idea if the man would even know sign language, but she had to try. She had to show him somehow that speaking out loud wasn't something she could do. Her hands flew through the signs and the man's eyes widened.
"I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you're trying to tell me."
Chapter Five
Hunter ran through the mud almost the entire way back, wanting to get to the cabin as quickly as possible. He hated that worried look on Becca's face. She was having a hard time dealing with the fact that she couldn't talk. He remembered a time when she'd told him the doctors used to think she faked it, that she could have talked if she'd wanted to. Hunter knew better. Something within her just stopped, and it seemed that a big event brought it on. He should have realized the possibility of it happening today after he fell.
She'd saved him. She'd jumped into that water and pulled him to shore.
They had a habit of saving each other.
"Okay, I'm back! I told you it wouldn't take long-" Hunter stopped. Becca stood in the hall with her eyes wide. A dark haired man stood before her, but turned to him when he walked in. "You probably want to know who we are," Hunter blurted. Maybe he was the owner of the cabin.
"That's what I'm trying to find out from the lady here." The man waved his hands at Becca.
"Look, we don't mean to intrude. We'd spent the morning on a boat and happened to come across the island. As we were heading back, the ties on our boat came loose and then the storm hit. We're both injured. The boat is still in the water somewhere. I hated the idea of having to force our way in here, and we don't mean any harm. We just needed a place to clean up and shelter from the storm for a bit."
The man's features softened. Concern filled his eyes instead of the irritation Hunter had seen when he first walked in. "Is she deaf?" he asked, pointing at Becca.
Hunter sucked in a breath, hating the way the man used the words as if something were wrong with Becca. Then he pushed the fury aside. "No, she can hear. She's just having a hard time." He motioned for Becca to come closer. When she did, he pulled her in for a hug. "It's all right now," he whispered. He let her go and slid an arm around her shoulders. "Look, is there a way we can stay here for the night, until the storm dies down?"
"It's actually not my house. The summer residents are arriving in a few days. I came to see how the cabin was doing in the storm. Your lady friend was the last thing I expected to find. Not sure how much I trust strangers, but I can see that you're injured. All right, a night. But no damage. I want your name then. I'll help you in the morning to get back to where you're going. I assume the main island?"
Hunter sighed in relief. "Yes, the main island. I really appreciate this. My name is Hunter Beckman. I don't intend to cause any damage, but rest assured, if there is any I will pay for it."
The man nodded as if to say 'Damn right you will' but said nothing more on the subject. "There isn't any food in the fridge, but I can bring a few things over for you. My wife tends to make leftovers, and we have plenty of beverages."
"We'd appreciate that."
"My name's Shane. I'll be right back with something for you guys then." Shane nodded at Becca, his eyes inquisitive and curious.
"Thank you." Hunter squeezed Becca's shoulder affectionately. As Shane left and shut the door, Hunter turned back to Becca. "I bet that must have scared you," he said softly.
She nodded and signed "I hate when I get like this. I signed to him, but he didn't understand."
"Well, it was good thinking. It gave him the impression that you couldn't vocally talk to him. Let's hope that after a good night's rest you'll be good as new."
"How is your head?"
"It hurts like hell, but I'm going to survive. Maybe I'll see if Shane has anything I can take for the pain, but it's bearable for now at least. And you? Your legs and ankle?"
"Achy. Knees are swelling up as usual from pushing so hard, but I'll be okay."
"Well, now that you're dry, why not make yourself comfortable on the couch? I'm going to change real quick. Maybe Shane won't make it
back until I'm done. He looks at you with pity. That drives me nuts!"
"Don't worry about it so much. I get that a lot."
"Becca, you shouldn't!" Hunter knew he should calm down and not get so irritated.
"It's the way of the world. It doesn't bother me anymore. Really, you don't have to be so bothered about it. Used to be worse when I was still in the wheelchair."
Hunter wanted to kiss her. She was too kind! Then it dawned on him what he'd just wanted.
Kiss her?
He couldn't shake his feelings four years ago, and they sure hadn't faded seeing her this year.
He waited for her to settle comfortably on the couch before he made his way back to the room in search of dry clothes for himself. He found a pair of men's shorts that just might fit him. He closed himself in the bathroom and changed. Becca's clothes were draped over the shower curtain, so Hunter laid his out on the tub itself.
Shane hadn't come back yet, so Hunter opened up the fridge and scoped it out. Sure enough, it was empty. He grabbed the stuff from the cooler and placed them in the fridge instead. He pulled out two bottles of water and headed for the living room. "Here, brought this for you."
Becca moved her legs and sat up so Hunter could sit. She uncapped the bottle and pressed it to her lips. After drinking a quarter of it, she set the bottle down and signed a thank you to him.
"You're welcome." Hunter shot her a smile before chugging the contents of his own bottle. Oh, that felt good to have something cool run down his throat. He couldn't wait for Shane to come back with some hot food. He was starving. On cue, his stomach growled. "I think my stomach is competing with the thunder," he quipped.
Becca's lips turned up in a grin before a sound escaped from them. She covered her mouth with her hand.
"Ooh, did you just snort laugh?" Hunter chuckled.
"Stop it!" Her face turned red and she swatted a hand at him. He ducked his head away from her, still smiling.
Thunder rumbled outside just as the front door opened. Shane stepped in, a bag in one hand and an umbrella in the other. He set the bag down on the floor and closed the umbrella. Hunter shot to his feet to help.
"Whatever you have in there smells really good!" he said cheerfully.
For the first time since meeting less than an hour ago, Shane smiled. "My wife is a fine cook. I told her about you. She's curious, so don't be surprised if she comes rushing by later to introduce herself. She's a little on the nosy side, so she might ask plenty of questions." Shane placed the umbrella on the porch before closing the door. He handed the bag of food and drinks to Hunter. "I also brought some pain medication in case you need it."
"Thank you. I was actually going to ask about that." Hunter smiled gratefully. Becca would probably need something for the pain and swelling she had in her knees.
"You don't have a concussion, do ya?"
"I don't think so," Hunter replied. He moved to put the bag on the table. "Just a big bloody mess."
"If you follow the trail a little north, you'll see a cabin like this one with a white fence around it and plenty of Pink flamingos in the yard. That's our summer place. My wife has a fetish with them, so I couldn't tell her no. You two take care. If I don't see you before the morning for whatever reason, sleep well. I'll check back with you when I can."
"Again, we appreciate this. It's been a pretty crazy day." Understatement for sure.
Shane nodded. "I'm sure. The storm took us all by surprise. It had been so nice up until then."
"Exactly." So why did he beat himself up so bad over not noticing? Weather was one of the important factors to pay attention to when flying. He'd always prided himself with staying in tune to the weather. Today, he hadn't been in tune with it at all.
"All right. I'm going to get on home now." He cast one more glance at the both of them before taking off again.
Hunter searched the cabinets for plates. The aroma from the bag attacked his nose. His mouth watered. He jumped, startled when Becca tapped him on the shoulder. "You scared me!" he laughed, covering his heart with his hand.
"Can I do anything to help?"
"Nope. I've got it covered. I just found the plates. Silverware shouldn't be an issue. I know I'm hungry, how about you?" He grabbed two of the plates and inspected them. They looked clean enough, but Hunter decided to run them under the water real quick anyway. When he turned back to Becca, she nodded.
"Very hungry."
"Good, because we're ready to dig in. I've found everything!" Hunter held up the plates and silverware proudly. He felt like a child all excited to show someone the treasure he'd found. Becca shot him a grin and the pair sat across from each other at the table. Hunter pushed a plate across to her, then handed her the silverware. "Now, let's see what these kind folks brought us." Hunter opened the bag and pulled the still warm containers out. "Smells good, that's for sure."
*****
About an hour after they ate, the storm showed it's first signs of slowing. Night descended, so the lightning bolts slicing through the air lit up the area like a fireworks display. Becca wished it would stop. At least after eating, she started to feel better. Still, she wanted nothing more than to crawl under the covers and go to sleep.
After dinner, Hunter found a deck of cards and they spent the majority of the time playing various card games. After she let out yet another yawn, Hunter put the cards he held down and leaned forward. "You're just as beat as I am, aren't you?"
"Sorry. I can't help it."
"Don't apologize. Maybe turning in for the night isn't such a bad idea. I don't know what time it is and honestly, I don't care. The earlier we can get off this island in the morning, the better I'll feel. Let me just check the doors."
She wondered why he would even bother locking them. The island was fairly isolated and she doubted anyone would try coming in. But with the boat incident, he seemed to be on his guard. Hunter had mentioned more than once today that he thought something was off. He acted a little paranoid. He took her hands in his and helped her climb to her feet. He touched the side of her face. "You do look exhausted," he said quietly. "What a day. If I hadn't blacked out..."
"You can't help that you fell overboard!" Why would he even feel guilty for that?
"I spaced out! I lost control and that's when things went downhill!" Hunter protested. A muscle strained in his neck. He really seemed agitated about the whole ordeal. "I normally pay better attention to the weather and failed to do that this time, too."
Becca took his hands in hers, giving them a squeeze. She opened her mouth, hoping the words would come out this time. All that happened were a few squeaks. She stomped her foot in frustration.
Hunter pulled her in his arms again. She leaned against him and soaked in his warmth.
"Don't try to force the words if they won't come," he pleaded softly. Hunter was one of the only people to be so patient with her. When this happened the first time, the only time it had lasted years, her grandparents had yelled, cursed, and belittled her for it. The therapists, doctors, teachers, everyone had made such a fuss about it. She ended up feeling less of herself when she really had been trying. Did they really think she wanted to be like that? To have a lack of communication? Nobody got it.
Except Hunter.
Tears sprung in her eyes at the memories and she held Hunter even closer. She was content there. She was so glad he came back this year. Despite the few years separation from her friend, she felt right at home with him.
At her sniffle, Hunter tipped her chin up. "You are crying! Aw Bec, why the tears?"
"I think my emotions are going haywire. I'm tired, so I'm a little weepy. I'm so glad you're back this year." When she finished signing, his lips curled up in a smile.
"So am I," he whispered softly. Something in his eyes that resembled longing tugged at her. His hands were still touching her face. He inched closer and parted his lips. Without thinking, Becca reacted. They met midway, his lips crashing over hers. Her thoughts ran a million miles a m
inute. Did he start this, or did she? What were they doing? No matter how much she wanted this, the last time they almost kissed, he disappeared.
It wasn't about you. You know this!
It didn't matter.
She uttered a sound when he deepened the kiss.
His kisses were passionate. So tender. Loving. Inquiring. He drew her closer, tightening his strong hold on her. He held on like he never wanted to let go. A sound escaped his lips, but he didn't stop. Her heartbeat sped up. She placed a hand on Hunter's shoulder, then slid it around his neck, running her fingers through his hair. She opened her eyes for a brief second and devoured the sight of Hunter. Then she closed them again, leaning into him. His tongue toyed with her, teasing playfully.
Another loud crack of thunder startled them both. Like kids being caught doing something they shouldn't, Hunter and Becca pulled apart.
She let out a breath and covered her chest with her hand. She blinked. Hunter stared intently at her.
"I have no idea what came over me. Please know I never meant for that to happen. I don't want you to think-"
She put a finger to her lips, then started signing. "I'm not sure what that was about, but I'm not complaining. I don't think anything bad of you. I never have, and I never will."
Was that a look of relief?
Did he even remember four years ago? Or was she the only one that replayed that week in her mind? She had been the one to turn her head, and even now she couldn't recall if she'd done it on purpose or not.
"That was an amazing, electrifying kiss. I just don't know where it came from." He shook his head. He seemed irritated with himself. She doubted any words would make him feel better right now.
Becca leaned closer and touched his cheek, guiding him to look at her. "I don't ever remember you being so hard on yourself before."
"I know. Honestly, you're the one person I trust. I know you understand me, especially with everything. I just don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of that. I can't lose our friendship, Becca. I know in the past few years I haven't shown it, but you mean the world to me."
A Masterpiece Of Our Love (The Masterpiece Trilogy Book 1) Page 6